Well, good morning. Good morning. We will call this meeting to order on the 9th day of December, 2025. Uh we will begin this meeting with a moment [snorts] of silent reflection for first responders and members of the armed forces followed by our invocation
by Indian River County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Louis Tro followed by the pledge of allegiance by our county administrator Mr. John Tatanis. Please rise. Father, as the last meeting of 2025 is about to begin,
we acknowledge the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us this past year. And yet, we also acknowledge that this has been somewhat of a difficult year. Amongst the blessings, there has been some conflict, some controversy, some division in this county. But worst of
all, there was tragedy. The deaths of Sergeant Terry Mashkow and David Long has shaken us all to the core. As we enter into the new year, we pray for healing for the county, the community as a whole, and for the friends and family of the two precious
souls that were lost on November 21st. And Lord, as we as we recognize this is the last meeting of 2025, it also marks the end of the 100y year anniversary of Vero Beach. For 100 years, your hand has been on this community, its leaders, and
its citizens. Vero Beach is known for many positive things and we pray for your continued blessings, wisdom, healing, and grace in 2026 and beyond. Lord, today when we came in, we see this
eight-page agenda as we do each meeting. And I think of your word in James where it says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives it liberally and without reproach." So as the commissioners go through this agenda today, our prayer for them today and
each day is that although their hearts plan a course, we pray that you establish their steps, guide them through each agenda and decision today and in the days ahead. We place this meeting in your hands and ask you to fill them with your wisdom and direct
each decision. And we pray this in your son's name. Amen. >> Amen. Please join me facing the flag pledge [clears throat] of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, commissioners. This will lead us to any additions or deletions of today's agenda. >> Mr. Mr. Chairman, I would like to delete
9N simply government governprise enterprise agenda item and we'll bring that back in January. >> Okay. Any others? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion. We have a second motion by Commissioner Flesher and a second by
Commissioner Moss. All in favor? I >> I. >> Next we have a presentation. Uh we don't have any proclamations today, but the presentation today will be an update on maintain rightaways. As commission
knows, we uh spoke about this three months ago and today we have uh interim director Mr. Ulie here. Welcome. >> Okay. Good morning, commissioners and administration. Danny Ulie, assistant
public works director. Which one? >> Yeah. A couple of months ago, you asked for a presentation to give you information on the unmaintained roadways and right or unmaintained rightaways throughout the county. Uh, working with
staff, I have compiled uh some information for you. uh I put a presentation together to give you the overall brief of it. We do have more information that I'll be glad to share with each and every one of you uh at a further date. But I believe what you see
in this presentation is what you were asking for. Right now we have currently 405 miles of paved rightway or roads that we maintain. Currently we have 246
miles of dirt roads that we maintain and 129 miles of sidewalk that we maintain. The drainage and curb is 1,383 structures throughout the county with additional basins and pipes and other
assets to go with that. So, it's it's quite extensive. What we what we put together here on this slide, you can see is it's broke down by the county, north and south county
throughout all your districts. There's a total of I'm sorry I'm ahead of myself. [clears throat] Apologies. The slide above is for the what we're currently maintaining throughout the county which costs over $3.6 million a year to
maintain what we currently have. this next slide because I believe I mentioned at the last meeting when we talked about this. The most important thing for this is going to be survey because it's unmaintained right away.
Some of it is vegetative trees and it's existing trails that residents are using to get through. So, it's not centered. We don't even know where these roadways rideways
are in relation to survey. Uh they're going to have to conduct a rightaway survey on each and every one of these locations utilizing in-house survey crew which is three people. We're estimating somewhere
between 6 to 12 months just to do the survey work because for this magnitude of project they still have in-house duties that they're performing countywide. So it is going to be time consuming. The expectations is the survey work will
include staking a center line pulling edge of rightway lines. It give staff a better understanding of where the drainage swailes and roadways should be placed. The following slide and an example of why the survey work is a
critical point in this project. This roadway is in Wabaso 64th Drive at 86 Lane. This, as you can see on the aerial, it does look like a road. It is titled a road, but this is an
access driveway for the Baptist church in Wasasso. And here with just in the last less than 6 months, the owner of that property came to the county asking for permits because they would like to build a house on their property.
This roadway again has been used since 1976 and considered a roadway by people in the area that is not a road. It's on private property and the gentleman wants to build a house. Just to give you an example of why the survey
is so important. This next slide is another example because this just come up within the last 60 days. This is in Groner Estates, 15th Street Southwest between 32nd and
33rd Avenue Southwest. We received uh information from residents that would like the county to block off 15th Street Southwest because too many people are using it for a pass through through their neighborhood and other activities
that uh the residents aren't happy with. >> Researching this 15th Street Southwest is not a county right away. It is not a county easement. It is private property. The two
residents at the end of that street own that area that is being used now. The county has no maintenance, no jurisdiction for enforcement or anything in that area. So that's just a couple of examples of why the survey is going to be so
important. 9.47 47 miles brought up to standard is going to cost the county 6,779,285.38. This includes [sighs and gasps] putting in drainage swailes, putting in drainage pipes, putting in drainage structures
where needed. It will include undercutting the roadway with a substandard material that's in these rightaways currently and putting a stabilized foundation so we can put material on there. It's a large number, I understand, but please understand that
this is to grade this road. This doesn't even include asphalt. This is to get it up to standard for great our greater crews to maintain the roadways. The annual cost after bringing this 9.47 miles up, we have an estimated cost of
111,150.72 to continue the grading maintenance. Now, that as we stand now, there will be of course over time if we go this route that you're going to have material and trucking costs to maintain these roadways from now on once they are
brought up to standard. We have it broke down the what what you see on this slide is the length and the width, the estimated cost and the timetable to get the road up to standard. We have additional list which I did not put in this presentation to
gives you a breakdown of what all those costs incur per road, per section, per district. As you can see up here, if you have Rosland Road or excuse me, the Rosland area, 249,293
just for the what is it? Five roads in Rosland. Vero Lake Estates, we have a total of 4.43 miles of unmaintained rightway. The cost for those 3,465543.
South County as a whole, we're looking at 4.3 miles with a little over $2.7 million. The Wabaso area, there's two streets up there, and you're looking at a combined
cost for those two at 114,164. So there's different ways we as a whole. We could break it down by district. We can break it down by area. It can be broke down and can be done. It's just as you requested, important to know what
it's going to cost to do this. Uh there's a lot to it. I know in the past uh some people have come up and the statement was residents are driving that now. Why don't you just grade it?
>> Number one, we don't know what they're driving on. We don't know if it's county right away or if it's private property. Number two, it's subpar material. That's why the calls come in about garbage trucks being
stuck and UPS and FedEx because they are not maintained. They are not meant to be used in the condition they're in. So yes, cars are driving it. The grader can grade it. You're right, they can. But it is not going to hold up. It's you can't
even measure it in weeks or days because of the material in place on most of these areas. It's not going to work. There's a lot of work and effort that needs to go into this and it can be done. Don't get me wrong. The work can
be done, but we need to figure out how we want to approach this countywide and do what we need to do for the residents. Thank you, >> commissioners. Any comments?
I um I think originally this was an an item that I had brought. So I appreciate Danny you bringing it back in this form. This is what I kind of wanted to see. What I would like to do is have a follow-up conversation. Um Mr. Mr. Chair, and I don't know if you want to
do that now or if you want me to bring something back under my matters at a later date, but I would like us to talk about I mean the numbers actually are a lot less than I thought they would be to be completely honest. >> Um,
and I think that we should look into how we can implement taking on and fixing up these roads and and adding them into our greater route. I think just maintaining them. I'm not asking, you know, for things to be paved
or mil, but I do think that maintaining these roads because people are using them and they're using them in substandard pos um condition and it's just part of that keeping up with our infrastructure as our growth happens. So I think we should look at a plan and
then try to implement that in upcoming budgets to start. You know, maybe there's some easier quick wins within this and maybe there's some longer term problems because of the bigger nature of the size of the projects. But I would
like to ask staff at some point to kind of develop a plan of implementation and then let's have a discussion about what that looks like. Absolutely. And I agree with you the, [clears throat and cough] you know, and I appreciate that, Mr. Ulie. Uh, and
remember that these are today's dollars. Uh, something to keep in in mind. And with respect to, as Commissioner Adam suggested, perhaps triaging. Uh, and I I don't know, Danny, how you do that, whether it's the volume of complaints.
Obviously you and I have spoken about many repeated roads that seem to be would make that but but the dilemma that we have is as he mentioned this private property when we start talking about 33rd [snorts] Avenue Southwest and 32nd
you have uh Amazon Waste Management UPS and actually there and garbage is obviously being picked up that's actually on private property correct so we have probably four or five different uh categories of of what we're dealing
with. So, I agree that hopefully we could uh have this organized, triage, and uh have a funding plan for it. get if uh the board will allow me some more time, we can put it together and break
it down that way by complaints by areas and what the issues are because the numerous complaints we get. Some areas is always the garbage trucks are where they're not supposed to be. Some of it is people, kids partying where they
shouldn't be. uh we have various complaints uh and breaking that down and putting a list together like that so you guys can take a look at that I think would be beneficial uh because there are some things that could be done by property
owners that would help with this situation as well. >> So um Danny, can you speak briefly on the the chip and seal project? Uh >> yes sir. Uh we have our first test chip
and seal project is going to take place on December 15th. Uh it's next week. It's on 8th Street. It's going to go from the edge of existing pavement to the east to 74th Avenue Bridge that FDOT just
constructed. Uh in-house staff has already did the prep work. Uh we are completed with all our prep work and we are ready to go with the contractor. uh and he is telling us and looking to have this done before Christmas.
>> Right. >> So, Commissioner, if you have an opportunity to check that out, this could be something that could help our our friends in Oslo Park and other areas and obviously you'll keep track of the cost and and with the overall plan that you'll be coming back to us with,
>> yes, Mr. the the the chip and sail is going on 8th Street which is in my district and this has been a problem area consistently with the new bridge got constructed at 74th and 8th Street cars slowing down stopping because there's a stop sign there and a whole
bit and and the millings just didn't hold up on a on a newly traveled road. So I'm eager to see how this turns out we can use in the future. But going back to the to the the unm unmaintained roads, I think what Mr. Chairman, what you and Commissioner Adams said is a way
to go. We just need to look at it, prioritize it, and start moving ahead. It's going to be a long process. The surveys have got to be done, and uh we'll go from there. I'm I'm all for it. Yeah. >> A question. Um, if we were to do this,
um, so this will help with with maintenance. Then you you'll be maintaining them. They won't be paved. >> They will not be paved. >> They won't be paved. So they're we're not putting down pavement. >> Um, so what is involved then if we were to do this to bring them all up to uh
this what should we call it? They're not paid >> up to standards. up to current standard because that's the reason they're not maintained now is because they they are >> substandard by far. We have to first of all the survey then we have to put in
drainage swailes uh covert pipes where needed structures where needed because the water is going to have to go someplace to go uh to for lack of better terms right now these unmaintained rightaways in that particular area that
is the drainage. So, if we go in and bring these roads up to standard to maintain them, the water has to have somewhere to go. >> That's part of the cost in this is getting the drainage work done as well because without the drainage, anything
we do to the road, we're just spinning our wheels and wasting money. So, the drainage has to be done and then we will bring the roads up. We in a lot of the roads, we will undercut what's there because it's sugar sand. You can't. We can put 6 in of stabilizer or we can put
a foot of stabilizer. That sugar sand is not going to maintain and hold up that road. So, we need to get that out of there. Put a good stabilized base in and then we'll put our stabilizer that we have on the rest of the roads. Put 6 in of that on top and start grading it.
>> So, if we bring them up to standard, then what kind of maintenance is required to to keep >> they will be level? Right now, our graders throughout the county are on a 7 to 10 day turnaround. Uh to do to get started, we can absorb what
we start with because it's not going to be 9 and a half miles. We will absorb that into our current greater routes with the graders in that area. And depending on how much we do at a time, you're you're talking about adding maybe two to three days to the existing
greater route. What I envision happening is once we get into this program and we get more of the roads done, we're going to be looking at adding another grader at at minimum. Are are there some areas
and I understand this idea of categorizing because we've talked about this in the past where we offer the option of paving the road but that involves the homeowner uh wishing to do so or a group of homeowners and and splitting the cost.
Are there certain areas within what you've looked at where that might be a better solution with the homeowners buyin? [sighs] >> At this time, I would say no because what we're looking at right now,
everything has to be done from the bottom up. If if we had a roadway that was say 60 to 65% meet standards, then that might be an option to talk about uh because it's it would be less to get it
up to standard. But right now, what staff and I have looked at and researched in this, we're nowhere near that on any of these roadways. >> Okay. Just out of curiosity, if you know, um how did it why is it like this? Why do we have all these roads that are
below stand historically looking at historically >> the growth of the county is a lot of where it comes from because for many years there was nobody on these roads. I can tell you a fact I've been here long enough. I remember in Vero Lake Estates
the northwest portion from 101st to 106th and from uh 81st to 77th. We used to mow that with tractors. >> Oh, okay. >> Not not the rightway. The roads that these people are living on right now
currently, we used to mow those with tractors. >> I see. And a lot of the roads down in Oslo Park are the same way. >> We used to mow that. There were never roadway. It was a rightaway on paper dedicated to the county, but there was
never a need, a desire, or a reason to do anything with it. >> So, they're handling a level of traffic that they were not designed to handle. >> Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. >> They were never built. >> No, they were never built. They were
never structured. And in some cases, residents are using these rightaways when there's other ways to get to and from their residents. These roads that we're discussing right now do not have
to be their sole in and out of their neighborhoods. It's just a quicker route because again, because of growth, there's so many people in the neighborhoods now and so on the streets. these unmaintained rideaways, if you're
willing to take the challenge, is a quicker way. >> It's like water. Water finds the path of least resistance and so does traffic. >> So, >> exactly. >> And like in Felsmere, a lot of the ride ofways were roadways within the groves.
And as the groves sold and then were divided up into smaller parcels, people started building houses in them. And then they would use those what were tractor, right? you know, paths for tractors as their driveways or their roads or whatever and it just turned
into a road. >> That is a great example because as you know, Miss Adams, the roads in Felsme off of South Willow especially, those are not road rightways. None of those roads that we grade for the city of
Felsmere are county road rightaways. They are canal district maintenance rightaways. That's what that's what they have always been since the inception of Felsmere. They started building houses. They had
to have a way in there. Now it's a road. They have street signs, but if you look in the documents, they are not roads. They are still to this day 2025 canal maintenance rightaways. >> Okay. Yeah. Thank you. It's interesting
to hear the history of it. I appreciate that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you, Commissioner Moss. Mr. Administrator >> Danny, do any of these uh right unmaintained rightaways, do they happen to coincide with areas where we've experienced uh flooding?
>> So, would it so would the drainage improvements arguably alleviate and address some of the flooding concerns that we've had to deal with over the last several years? >> Yes, sir. That would be correct. >> Thank you. >> An even better
And Mr. Administrator, I I'm guessing you brought that up for potential uh funding from other sources. >> That is correct, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, commissioners. >> And I just appreciate the u straight out
because there is a lot of complications here. Um Geric Estates is a whole different dilemma. U it was never developed properly. Yes. I drove on those grass roads
and uh the undercarriage of the vehicle used to cook the grass. >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh, as far as some of the other roadways, uh, again, uh, again, you you've been painfully
honest, but most of those roadways that were improperly done with poor substrate are going to be have to be deeply excavated. >> That is correct. >> This is a big mission.
>> It is, but it can be done. >> It can be done. It can be done. Yes, sir. >> And most of the roadways were built on sugar sand or whatever was available at the time. And that's why we
have a lot of washboarding 3 days after the roadway is graded >> and those aspects. Yes. The the rideways that we're talking about, the reason they are sugar sand is a lot of this is natural Florida. These were never touched when the
development went in these areas. These specific rightaways were never touched. That is original Florida at its best. That's why it's you can drive down one block and see sugar sand and mud and muck and then you'll
have a 10-ft piece of decent material. It's the to say they were constructed or poorly constructed. A lot of these have never been touched. And you you commented on the chip
ceiling u on the 8th Street that's from 74th >> to the east. >> To the east. >> Yes, sir. >> Because we did uh we did a project there. I think it was in house
about 10 years ago. >> Yes, sir. That is correct. >> 90th to >> 74th. Yes, sir. >> It's still holding up. >> It's in place. >> It's in place. Yes. Yeah, it has fractured. Yes. And when it was put in u
that was the expectation. >> Yeah. that uh it was >> well as you said sir it's been 10 years >> and yes but that is on our radar uh we are very excited and looking forward to
this chip seal project on the east side uh I'm hoping to have a lot of good information in a short amount of time because that section you're referring to in my opinion would be test section number too.
>> And the chip ceiling is about 2/3 the price. >> Yes, sir. The cost that we were looking at for paving and doing all the work for that same section of road with hot mix was a little over $2 million. And we are
going to do this chip seal for 97,000. >> Wow. >> As I said, we have high hopes for this project. We >> array a bright light right there. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> I'd like to do the west side, too, if we can, but we see how the east side works
out because it's worse than the west side. >> Mr. chair. Just I just since we have Danny up here, I just want to I'd ask him to touch upon or just kind of highlight how our staff and what Danny
and in the uh traffic has been able to accomplish in terms of 58th and 77th the intersection which has been problematic. I know the the uh Commissioner Flesher and residents have brought this forth and Danny, you want to touch upon that?
>> Yes, sir. Uh, in fact, that light might be going active as we speak right now. Uh, there was a little push back because of the weather conditions. We couldn't get the stop bars painted. >> Uh, but I was assured by staff yesterday
that that would still be moving forward. >> Uh, just for numbers sake so you understand that we have signalized 58th and 77th Street in less than two months. Uh the big part of that is because this
particular intersection the infrastructure was 85 to 90% in place. The infrastructure that was lacking I got with road and bridge staff and traffic staff and got them to work
together. They got the remaining 15% of infrastructure put in place. We have the pad poured, the concrete, everything inhouse and the light is going active today.
>> And for the uh we had we found documentation where this had been looked at because this intersection you all may know has been a problem for many years. Uh when this came up again, we were researching that and we found
documentation where it was going to be three $3.5 million to signalize that intersection the way that it was they wanted to design it. But what you have right there now as we speak here at 77th
and 58th looks just like 69th and 58th, just like other intersections within the county. So, it meets code, it works, and we just put that light up for about $30,000. >> So, I'd like to thank Danny for his
leadership. I'd like to thank Road and Bridge and Traffic for working together to bring a resolution to an unsafe condition and to address I know Commissioner Fleshers and the res immediate residents concerns in that area. We appreciate that. And I'd also
like to add that uh Danny was able to cancel a design and engineering work order that was out there to the tune of what $125,000. >> Yes, sir. Check >> it out. >> So, I mean that's in inhouse innovation and dedication. We appreciate you wrote
a bridge and traffic. >> Yes, ma'am. I I couldn't be prouder of my staff all the way through because as as I said and you just reiterated, this was all done inhouse by Indian River County staff from start to finish.
>> Well, thank you, Danny. Any further questions, commissioners? >> Thank you, Danny. We appreciate it, >> Mr. Chairman. Yeah, Danny just brought up inhouse. inhouse. That's how HV was done, too, for $359,218
as opposed to $2.5 million. >> Yes, sir. >> That's the way to go in-house. >> Absolutely. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Danny. Thank you for information and presentation. I look forward to seeing the the next step. >> We'll be in touch.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, board. >> Thank you, commissioners. That brings us to the approval of minutes for September 23rd, 2025. >> Approved. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Flesher, second by Commissioner Adams. All in favor?
>> Next, commissioners, we have the event calendar, uh, the venue, which is in your backup, and it's online. Lots of exciting things coming up through the balance of the year. Uh and also uh on 7B uh the solid waste disposal district,
the closing is noted for Christmas and New Year's. Essentially, your dates will be moved back one day. At that point, uh commissioners, this is an opportunity for any public comment for any agenda related matters. If the
public has any comments, we can hear them now. Seeing none or hearing none, uh, commissioners, this will move us to the consent agenda. Any desire to pull and elaborate on any topics,
commissioners? Hearing none. >> Move approval. >> Motion by Commissioner Flesher and a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion on the consent agenda? Hearing none, all in favor? I
>> I commissioner >> uh commissioners I do want to uh have the chairman's privilege of moving 14A dealing with opioids up to 10B. >> Uh if I can have a motion to approve
that. >> So moved. >> I'd be happy to second. >> We have a second. That commissioners brings us to constitutional officers and governmental agencies. And I see amongst us is our supervisor of elections, Miss Leslie Swan. Welcome.
>> Good morning, Chairman Lure and Commissioners. Um, I'm here today to request the funds that we received from conducting the city of Felsmere and the city of Vero Beach elections and a partial for the city of Sebastian because they had a uh candidate withdraw
from the election, but they were still charged for the work we did up to that point. So, I wanted to see if we could have the $42,88845 rolled back into our current budget. >> So, move a motion by Commissioner Flesher, second by Commissioner Adams.
Any further discussion on this topic? Hearing none. All in favor? Uh, and the motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you. And wishing you all a happy holidays and merry Christmas. >> Thank you, Leslie. >> Thank you. That brings us to the uh 14A.
It's moved to 10B uh on the opioid settlement. Do we have anyone here speak of that? >> Mr. Chair, I can introduce it. And yes, we do. >> Yes, ma'am. This is an item uh we we have a a new um
round of opioid funding coming in and this this is kind of how we've tried to utilize this new process where we are trying to build upon our opioid task force is needs assessment. Uh that that
was conducted. Um there was a request for applications for people who or and organizations who wanted to get funded and it was also t brought before the um public safety coordinating council for
criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse which we have uh set up to make recommendations to you about funding. So, this is before you for your approval, but we do also have Amanda Busman here from Southeast Florida
Behavioral Network and Carrie from Thrive to answer questions. And I thought I think maybe it would be helpful helpful, Amanda, if you could go over kind of how the request for applications process happened. >> Sure. >> Good. Good morning, Amanda. If you can
state your name and address for the record and affiliation. Amanda Busben uh 472 Southwest 86 Terrace Soki Chobi Southeast Florida Behav Network. >> Welcome. >> Good morning. >> For the uh request for application
during the last public safety coordinating council or not this last but the back in the summer um it was decided that we were going to do an RFA for the funding that had not been spent down. We put out an RFA application and
in like a 10-day turnaround, we got it put together and put out on our website. We um accepted applications until October 15th. Uh we received nine applications in total. Those applications went to a review board
which consisted of four members of the Indian River Opioid Task Force and one member of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network with a five panel board. They reviewed the applications and scored them based on the material that was set forth and their um application
of what was found in the needs assessments if they were going to meet um one of the priorities that were identified through the uh opioid needs assessment that was done through the first round of funding with Thrive. Um though of those applications there were
six that met the criteria to go to oral presentations. That was the second phase of the RFA application. Those applica applicants presented to that five panel committee and were scored on their presentation, their idea, the
application to the needs assessment and priorities and how that fit into what the needs were for Indian River County. Of those, there were five that were um picked and selected and a subset of
funding. They didn't approve any of them for the full amount. Um, as you should have a report that tells you the amounts for each one. Those were presented and that was what the U review panel um made suggested is what they felt like was
proper that brought the ask for 1.2 million of the funding for a one-year application. And then next year we'll do it again and improve the process a little bit and try to do it a little bit earlier. So we don't have a rush on it. We can make sure that everybody has the
time and the need to make sure that applications >> can come, you know, get fully created. It it was a quick turnaround, but but we did it and uh I appreciate the opioid task force working so hard with us and
making sure that we got it done. >> We thank you, Amanda, and Commissioners. U Commissioner Flesher is our attachment to that. uh committee if you have any thoughts or comments. >> Public safety council. Yes. Uh thank
you, Mr. Chair. Um I I just want to express my deep appreciation for this team. Uh Amanda, you you've you've done a a tremendous job this year. >> Thank you. >> I realized that we were behind the
eightball when this first began. Uh we also had a law enforcement officer as um as chair of the public safety council and we now are gifted with the very first uh civilian
uh public safety council chair. uh and appreciate the collaboration that has occurred that this was almost seamless in the presenting
uh the vetting, the assessment of over a million dollars in new found uh additional funding. Um, I'm very pleased that it's going in the direction it's
going and that we're going to get more education and assistance and mental health collaborative association with this process.
It is uh it's very difficult to identify uh again how the opioid funding will be directly impacted or the community will be directly impacted and we will reap the
benefit. Well, the first part was the benefit that this this commission did in enhancing your capacity and now the identification that has taken place is
absolutely impressive and uh the support on the uh public safety council was unanimous. Just wanted to note a few things >> and if I just might add a few words, Carrie Lester, CEO of Thrive and the chair of public safety is, you know, I
appreciate the process you put in place this year and as Amanda shared, we're always looking for process improvement and we'll continue to do that, but last week we did have the privilege to present at the um the public safety and behavioral health summit over in Tampa and we spotlighted the way that in
Indian River County the um public safety and the task task force worked together using needs assessment data and strategic priorities to bring forth the best recommendations to our our board of county commissioners. So, we did have that spotlight over in Tampa and I think we have a good process in place that we
will want to continue to improve upon, but we had a good foundation this year. So, thank you for that. >> Mr. Chair, I just had a a quick question. How many people would you say are being helped by this? You know, what what does this dollar amount represent in terms of number of people helped?
>> Um Go go go ahead. >> No, go ahead, Amanda. It's because it's a it's a difficult >> it's a difficult to say at this point when all of this funding is put into place and actions start happening and
people are seen. I I can partic I can speak to one um in particular which in in my realm of things if you've been in person [cough and clears throat] you've done a lot. Um the 19th judicial circuit had a person who was a repeat offender.
They got him into treatment. He completed with this funding successfully completed 30 days of treatment. He's doing well in court. Those are the things that this this will um these are the people that hopefully it it's impact
maybe years seen you know down the road. But that's less um involvement with law enforcement, less involvement in hospital admissions. And those are the type of things that we're looking for in the long run. That's what this when the we this went into a lawsuit, it was we
knew that we wouldn't be able to help all the people that were hurt in the first round, but maybe to change the route for someone and going forward and you know their struggle with substance use and mental health disorders. So, there are several ways that your county
has put this into place. I'm very proud of Indian River County um and and how they're moving and that they prioritize the needs assessment and they're using that to make informed decisions um in suit of Indian River doing a needs assessment. Many of the other counties
in our area, I'm connecting them with the same agency that Carrie worked with to complete the needs assessment so they they can follow suit. Um and that needs assessment will be you know years down the road we'll be
looking back at this to make priority >> continue to be an ongoing process. And the strategic priority really was around access to care and what our current system of care looks like or is lacking. And so you you'll see some of the funding priorities in front of you really help increase access to care. And
then one thing that we'll start doing at public safety is really making sure that um public safety is updated on the numbers and the outcomes and the impact. And so we'll start to see those more formal reports coming forward that will help drive our decision- making but also help us step back and see objectively
what improvements we are making. And I think that is the ultimate goal is how do we change the system of care so that we can see those longer term impacts and outcomes. >> Okay. So that's a goal for the future to have certain metrics in place. Is is that is that what you're saying? >> Okay. I was just curious because looking
at the one uh the detox bed $166,000. So you're just curious as to or I am you know like how many people you know are are being helped and not only by that but by the entire amount it's over a million dollars. >> Yeah. So all of those requests in front
of you will then we'll start to be getting um updated information throughout the course of the year on how the organizations are progressing in meeting the metrics they put forth in their um grant request. So there were there were um metrics that were put forward in each of the grant requests that were approved I believe.
>> Right. And we'll be monitoring that. And the one thing about working with us is they're required to submit data. So we'll be monitoring that data for the ones that we put in place previously. Those are just really getting started. There were kinks to work out. Um but we'll be collecting data on that. We
have the data from the the the judicial circuit. Um as that's mostly running through us. We're just paying for the treatment. Um but and then you know we did a a public campaign. It's kind of hard to say how many people that touched um as a as a guesstimate on those those
type of uh prevention efforts. Um but going forward with the with the system that we have in place and the specific um applications that come in and that we're recommended there'll be very specific metrics and then once we get
those in place and we start you know two three months down the road especially like detox beds we'll be able to tell you every person that sat in that bed. So um it may be different. We can't give you an estimate because some may sit there for 5 days, some may sit there for two days depending on, you know, the uh
substance of of choice and and what they're doing. But but we will be able to give you good numbers. >> Thank you, Amanda. >> Thank you. >> One of one of the Mr. Chair, one of the key elements in getting to that matrix is the advanced certification and
consistency training that's going to take place broadscale. It's not just one individual. It's going to be there's about over a hundred estimated that will uh be working on the same plane from different
entities and agencies and we'll be able to assess the effectiveness. Is that appropriate? >> Yes. One of those applications is for enhancing the peer workforce in Indian
River County. And that will be assisting um peers up to a 100 peers in Indian River County getting their um getting the training get in their needed hours um that they have to it's 500 hours they
have to do um in service before they can get their certification. And once they get those certification, those will be employees that you can bring into your workforce. Peer development has been it is an evidencebased practice. It it is
the best way to in to get individuals to agree to treatment. Um and I think that's it's going to be very big for the agencies in in Indian River County. Um peers are being adapted in all types of services, not just substance use
anymore. You know, it kind of started there with mental health, but it's now being doctor's office are hiring peers. It's the best way to talk to individuals where they don't where somebody explains it to them on a level that they understand where they've been through that same circumstance. And I think that
you're you're going to see um great things with having an actual workforce to pick from where where agencies can [clears throat] say, you know, I had two or three applicants. I didn't just have to hire the one. um peers in hospitals, peers in doctor's office, peers in
treatment facilities can make a big big difference. >> Yeah. And that was an identified priority in the from the needs assessment and and identified to increase that workforce. >> Yes. >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] and commissioners and members of the public,
it should be noted that these dollars are a result of a class action settlement for the opioid problems that America and others have faced throughout the years. This is a funding source that does not uh require
taxpaying dollars. Uh this is simply an exercise where Southeast is the conduit, if you will, and ultimately residents of Indian River County are benefiting, as Amanda so eloquently said.
>> And uh in in addition, we have about 16 years to go on this funding. So, >> uh it's very refreshing to have it going in the right direction so early on. >> Absolutely. And if I could just reiterate, you know, there were great
harms that were done that brought us to this litigation and these settlements. And so, um, it's really important to me and that's why I thank you so much for the process that we have in place that we have an opportunity to truly change a system of care. And for anyone who's lost a loved one here in Indian River
County, we want to assure them that we are going to do our best um to make sure that those harms are, you know, are remedied as best as they can be with this with these funds. >> Thank you. Commissioners, what's your pleasure? >> Make a motion to approve >> as presented.
>> We have a motion by Commissioner Flesher and a second by Commissioner Urman. Any further discussions on this topic? Hearing none, seeing none, all in favor? I. And the motion carries. >> Thank you, ladies. Carrie, Amanda. >> Thank you, team. Next commissioners, we
have a legislative matter before us on item 11A and this deals with the bioolids mortorium extension ordinance and before us is county attorney Christopher Hicks. Welcome Mr. Hicks.
>> Good morning chairman, commissioners. We are back for the yearly renewal of the bioids moratorium that started in 2018. As the statute is currently written, we have to come back every year. We cannot just do a blanket moratorum. And some good news about that is there is a new
bill in place that is being considered at least to extend the moratorum or extend the inability of companies to put bioolids on land. That has not passed yet. But if they do pass that and it does say everything that we need it to say, we won't have to do this every year. But as we sit today, we still need to come back
and make sure that people can't put sewage on their land. So we're asking the chair to open up the public hearing, take comment and then consider the moratorum. >> Thank you Mr. Hicks. At this time public hearing is open. If anyone wants
to discuss bio solids, seeing none hearing none, I will close the public meeting. Commissioner >> move approval for the continuence of the moratorum on bioance [snorts] application. Second count.
>> We have a motion by commissioner flesher second by commissioner man. Any further discussions on this topic hearing? None. Seeing none. All in favor? >> I commissioners. That brings us to item 11 A2 which also is a legislative
hearing a public hearing. uh to include the use of uniform method of collecting non-advelorum assessments. General counsel Scheler. >> Mr. Chair and board uh we do this annually and this is because we use the uniform method of um collecting
non-advalorum assessments that late is laid out in statute. We go through a process where we for four weeks we notice our intent to use that method and then the board considers a resolution. Once if the board passes this resolution
then it is sent to our tax collector, property appraiser and do just to uh notify them that we intend to use this system. So my recommendation is that you uh conduct a public hearing uh for the
proposed resolution and and approve the attached resolution um approving the use of the uniform method for the levy and collection of special assessments. >> Okay. Thank you. At this time, I'll open public hearing for any comments on this
particular matter. >> Hearing none or seeing none, I will close the public hearing on this particular. [clears throat] >> Miss Jim, move approval on the uniform collection. >> Have a motion by Commissioner Adams and
a second, I presume, by Commissioner Fletcher. Any further discussions on this topic? Hearing none. All in favor? And the motion carries. Next, commissioners is item 11 A3. It's also
legislative in nature. This is a public hearing on the ordinance amending our code of Indian River County sections 102.01 subsection 1 and 102.01 subsection 4. This matter is legislative
in matter. General Counsel Schuler. >> Yes. Um, a couple meetings ago, your county administrator brought before you some proposals on how to amend our code as far as how we uh deal with our
procedures and um policies for mostly for um this board agenda and what the process is. So, this is an ordinance that I'm bringing back to you to enact those proposals that the county administrator brought before you. This
would um amend section 102.011 of our code to clarify that the meetings of the board of county commissioners, the regular meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of the month and to require uh that that an annual schedule of the regular meetings be approved by
the board by the first meeting in November for the next year. Uh the recommended uh amendments to 102.014 014 would add more specificity and when into when
commissioners, constitutional officers and other agencies submit agendas so that we can keep them we can get them processed with some notice into our agenda management system and also
provides that the agenda packet will be provided to the commission honor before the close of business on the Thursday proceeding of commission meeting. So, my recommendation to you is that you conduct a public hearing and that you consider an ordinance that enacts these
changes to your code. >> Okay. Thank you. At this time, we'll open public comment for anyone that wants to discuss uh essentially the codification of our ordinance uh amending code any river county sections 102.01
subsection 1 and 102.0. 01 subsection 4. Anyone from the public have any comments? Hearing none. Seeing none, I will close the public hearing. Commissioners,
>> we have a motion by Commissioner Flesher. We have a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further any further discussion? All in favor? I. And the motion carries. Thank you,
commissioners. Next up is 11 A4. This is a quasi judicial matter. Uh this is a request to reszone approximately 1.5 acres from A1 agricultural district to RM6 residential
single family district. Uh the parties to the proceedings are Indian River County and Glattis Baston the applicant. As this is quasi judicial and nature commissioners, I'll ask each of you to
disclose any exparte communication site visits or independent investigations. And we'll start with advice chair. >> Uh none of which I'm aware. >> No. >> No. None that I'm aware of. >> None that I'm aware of, sir.
>> None that I'm aware of. Let the rest reflect. Uh second, uh since it is quasi judicial, we will confirm that the commissioners have an open mind and are able to base their decisions on the evidence presented and the applicable law. Vice Chair Moss,
>> can and will. >> Can and will. >> Can and will. At this point, we will open the public hearing for this quasi judicial matter. Uh for the clerk, if you could please
swear in any and all witnesses that anticipate testifying today. [clears throat] >> All right. Uh Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and honorable commissioners of the board. For the record, Patrick Murphy, chief of
longrange planning. I'm here to present the next two items on the commission's agenda. Uh the first of which is a resoning for Miss Glattis Baston's property. Property is approximately 1.5 acres. It's located on the north side of 16th
Street, approximately 750 ft east of 74th Avenue. Uh the applicant has lived on the property since 1975. This parcel has been zoned A1 agricultural use since back uh in about the mid70s from our original zoning atlas. Property resides
in the state road 60 corridor as defined in section 911.19 of the county's LDRs. Over the last 50 years, this area has seen a transition from mostly farmland to mostly single family subdivisions. Directly north of the property are two
A1 zone lots with single family homes on them established in the 70s. And farther north is undeveloped land zoned RM6, which is residential multif family allowing up to six units per acre. To the east is the Breezewood Park subdivision zoned R six platted in 1956.
And further east lies the village of Lexington zone RM6 platted in 1986. To the south across 16th Street is the Point West East Village. It's a planned development traditional neighborhood design. It's platted in 2006 and it consists of medium density single family
homes. Adjacent to the west of the property is the Willow subdivision zone RM8 which is a plat oversight plan approved in 2016. subject site is surrounded entirely by residential uses and there are no adjacent commercial or industrial zones ensuring consistency with the locational
criteria outlined in policy 1.43 of the comprehensive plan. As I said, the current zoning is A1, which is a low density zoning district allowing one dwelling unit per five acres. The 1.5 acre parcel is currently undersized and considered a legal
non-conforming use under the A1 standards. Proposed zoning RS6 is a residential zoning lung up to six units per acre suited for residential infill development within the urban service area. Uh the plan for this property actually speaking with the applicant is
she's intending on doing a one-time split and allowing the additional parcel to be sold to her son to build a home to be close to her. So it really would result in just two lots at a density of one unit per 75 acres each. Uh A1 zoning
is not currently permitted under the uh property's future land use designation which is M1 medium residential. Um RS6 however is an appropriate implementing district for the M1 land use and would bring this parcel into conformity with the comprehensive plan. You can see in
front of you a little uh sidebyside comparison of the development standards between A1 and RS6. So for analysis of any resoning we look at chapter 902.12 subsection 3 and item A uh it deals with the surrounding area
and the development regulations in the county's regul uh code of ordinances. Uh we found no conflicts with the applicable land development regulations requested for this zoning. It is appropriate uh within the M1 designation and consistent with the state 60 quarter
regulations. Item B, the proposed resoning is consistent with all elements of the comprehensive plan aligning with the following policies 4.1, 2.2, 1.13, 1.14, and 1.43. Uh, the proposed RS6 zoning is
consistent with the existing M1 Futurelius as stated. Amendment change is not required for this request. Items D through K. These items address design items related to land suitability, lot configuration and access, municipal services, environmental conditions,
natural resources, compatibility, and compliance with county plans. Staff has reviewed the surrounding area and found no conflicts with this zoning request. In conclusion and recommendation, the requested R six zoning district is compatible with the surrounding area. It's consistent with the goals,
objectives, and policies of the county's adopted comprehensive plan. This consists of the county's land of development regulations is deemed suitable for the subject property and supported by staff. Staff and the planning and zoning commission recommend that the board of county commissioners approve this request to resone the
subject property from A1 to R six. Be happy to answer any questions you may have. The applicant is also in attendance. >> Thank you, Mr. Murphy. Commissioners, any questions of Mr. Murphy? Hearing none. Any presentations by the
applicant. Hearing none or seeing none. Any questions or concerns from the public? >> Yes, ma'am. Please identify yourself with name and address, please. >> Debbie Aollinerio, 72451 18th Street,
Vero Beach. It [clears throat] sounds great. Her grandson wants to build a house. She wants to split split the property and build a house on the property. What are the restrictions once it's reszoned to RS6? Can't she come back or him when after
she passes away come back and put a mobile home park in there? If you've got an RS6 zoning, can't you? >> Mr. Murphy, I don't believe so. >> R six district does not allow for mobile home parks. They would specifically need a residential mobile home zoning
category for that. >> Come back at a later date. If you have an RS6 zoning, can't you come back for an R8 home at a future date? I'm just I'm just looking to preserve what we have. Um, our properties out there are one of the
few places that we have the great horned owls. All of the birds of prey hang out out there because we've got all the tall pines. I love that she's going to split the property, but what are the restrictions that it will stay just split with one
more home on the property? Is there any can you guarantee that? Well, >> I don't know. I'm just It's a question just asking. Mr. If I could >> uh for the record, Ryan Sweeney, assistant planning development services
director. Um no, ma'am, there's this is strictly resoning. We can't limit or otherwise impose uh restrictions on splitting down the road, so to speak. However, it's only [snorts] 1.5 acres. So to try to do a subdivision would be nearly impossible. Um they would have to
aggregate the other parts to to do anything of subs, >> but they could legally do do nine homes. >> Nine. In theory, they could, but again, there's there's other rules, roads, storm water. The minute you get into subdividing it, like I said, at 1.5
acres, I' I've been in the business for a while. It's it's just it's not possible. I mean, >> so there's no guarantee, but >> that's correct. >> Okay. And we don't have anything less than R six. >> We do have RS3, but that would not really be consistent with the M1 land
use. That that is what is currently the land use. >> Okay. >> Thank you. I guess I mean I went to Let's Talk Vero the other night. We want to do something to preserve the agricultural lands and the citrus out west and this just
doesn't seem like we're doing that. This just seems like, you know, another step that someone says, "Well, they let them do it. Let's do it on this property." I think it's important, but That's just my opinion.
>> Thank you very much. >> Commissioners, any questions uh or concerns for the staff or the applicant? >> Hearing none or seeing none, Mr. Murphy, do you have any final presentations? >> Uh not for this project, no sir.
>> And the applicant, uh any further questions or concerns? Seeing none or hearing none, madame clerk, we can ensure that all documents and tangible evidence, if any, have been admitted into evidence or in the hands of the clerk.
>> Yes. >> At this point, I will close the public hearing. Commissioners, any questions [clears throat] or comments? >> Mr. Chairman, this would be in my district and I understand what the what
she said about agriculture but this is in an area that is um it's near point west it's get it's got some some merit but again I'm going to reiterate what our assistant planning
and director said that this is not really feasible to extend anything beyond that and so I'm I'm comfortable with it. Planning and zoning approved at 6, correct? >> Yes. >> And uh I'm comfortable with it and and
you know eventually we we've got a you know we're we're taking a hard look at all this through our ear reports and everything else about where we're going in the future. I don't think this is a this is a bad idea. She's [clears throat] able to split the property and and do what she wants to
with her family and I Like I said, when I read it, I agree with Mr. Sweeney. I don't see anything else that is really would be compatible unless you at all for this. So, I'm so I'm good with it. >> So, with that, I'll make a motion to approve.
>> We have a motion by Commissioner Man. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Flesher. Any further discussion, comments? >> The only thing is um Mr. chair. Um, hearing the concern and I understand uh anytime there's going to be a change,
but we do have um good authority. Uh again, it cannot be a guarantee or a warranty that there will be no future changes, but by the same token and the state affords us that opportunity as
well. uh we're uh strictly um directed uh by this the state on what our parameters are. But more importantly is it's a small piece of property that
would never sustain that type of envisionment or development. So I feel comfortable. Well, I think you got your answer today and our uh assistant community development director has also uh made it
a point uh to uh spell out a little bit of the concerns uh or [clears throat] the elements that would just simply not permit that type of advancement. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Flesher. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor? I. And the motion passes. Commissioners, that brings us to item 11 A5. This is the Shireen 510 LLC's request to reszone
approximately plus or minus 1.04 acres of [clears throat] CL limited commercial district to CG General Commercial District. This is a quasi judicial proceedings. Uh, the parties to the proceedings are
Indian River County as well as Shireen 510 LLC, the applicant. At this point, commissioners, I will ask each of you to disclose any exparte communications, site visits, or independent investigations. >> None of which I'm aware.
>> None that I'm aware. >> None. >> None that I'm aware of, sir. None that I'm aware of. >> Thank you, commissioners. At this point, we will confirm that commissioners have an open mind, are able to base their decisions on the evidence presented by the applicable law. Vice Chair Moss >> Canon Chow. Canon will
>> Canon [clears throat] will >> Canon will Canon will. >> Thank you. At this point, we'll we will open the public hearing. And at this point, we will also ask the clerk to swear in all interested parties.
Thank you. And we will start the presentation with [clears throat] Mr. Murphy. Welcome again. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Property is located at 4650 State Road 510. As you stated, it's roughly 1 acre in size and is located approximately 500
ft northeast of the intersection of 510 and US1. uh parcels zoning was originally implemented through the 1975 1985 any river county zoning atlas and resides in the Wbaso corridor as defined in section 911.18 of the county's LDRs.
Schwaren 510 LLC owns the adjacent 7.92 acres to the northeast which are already zone CG and represent the remaining undeveloped commercial holdings on the north side of State Road 510 east of US1. North of the applicant's remaining CG zoned holdings is RM6 multiple family
residential developed with single family homes and interspersed undeveloped parcels. Northwest of the site is the Coastal Community Church of Indie River. To the south across State Road 510 is the Bridge Marketplace Shopping Center which was approved in 2023 for
development as retail. To the southwest is CL zoning. It continues along 510 toward US1 intersection where a mobile 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station anchors the corridor. Subject property fronts at designated arterial
road is situated near existing retail. 47th Avenue and 86th Street separate the Armzic zones lands to the north from this site and it is not adjacent to any industrial districts which ensures consistency with locationational criteria outlined in policy 1.43 of the
comprehensive plan. existing versus proposed zoning. You see a slide to the side that does a comparison. The development standards between the zoning districts are essentially identical. It's the same lot width and size, the same setbacks, uh the same height, same building coverage
and open space. The only real differences between the two would be additional allowable uses in CG as opposed to CL. Uh the limited commercial zoning allows for low inensity commercial and office uses. The general commercial allows for a broader range of commercial uses including more intensive
retail service and restaurant use and aligns with the commercial commercial redevelopment trends in the state road 510 corridor. Both CL and CG zoning districts are implementing zoning districts under the property CI commercial industrial land use designation. Therefore, the proposed
resoning is consistent with the future land use designation. Uh staff found no conflicts with the applicable land development regulations for this requested CG zoning. The proposed zoning is compatible with all elements of the comprehensive plan,
including policies 4.1, 2.2, 1.17, 1.18, and 1.43. The proposed CG zoning is consistent with the existing land use designation. Therefore, no amendment is necess necessary. Uh we did a full analysis of items D through K. These uh are related
to the land suitability, lot configuration, access services, environmental conditions, and natural resources. And we found no conflicts with this uh minor upzoning that they've been requested. In conclusion, recommendation, the requested CG zoning district is
compatible with the surrounding area, is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the county's adopted comprehensive plan. It's compliant with county's land development regulations. is deemed suitable for the subject property and supported by staff. Staff in the planning and zoning commission recommend that the board of county
commissioners approve this request to reszone the subject property from CL to CG. And I would like to mention that the planning and zoning commission did recommend unanimous for this resoning request. Uh the applicants represented uh is also in attendance. Uh Mr. Bruce Marquette.
>> Thank you, Mr. Murphy. Mr. Any questions for >> Mr. Murphy? I have a question. Um, >> Chair Mos, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, it says on under item F and the, uh, backup that this, uh, zoning was implemented through
the original 1975 to 1985 Indian River County zoning atlas. >> Yes. >> Um, I wasn't familiar with that. Can you tell me what that is? And also, I tried to Google it to to look at it and it doesn't come up. Um, it says it's not digital.
>> Correct. and I and I looked on the county website and I couldn't find it there either, which you know is not a surprise considering it goes back to 1975. But just can you what is it? >> Yes, it's it's a very old atlas, a very large atlas that hasn't been digitized, hasn't been scanned. Um Ryan and I
actually went over the archives this morning, [laughter] pulled it out of the the second story building there. Um it's a very old color-coded map with hatch marks that shows the property originally was, I believe, C1A, correct? which has been converted or the zoning designation
was changed when we did a countywide designation change to CL. So, it's the original zoning map that the county adopted back in the mid70s. >> Okay. This piece of properties in there. Are there Would we have a number of pieces of property in there? Just, you know, >> we have the entire county. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Okay. I'll I'll take a look at it. I'll take a look at at a at a at a later date. Um >> Yeah. Stop by the office. We'd be happy to to go over the map with you for sure. The other thing is um you know this resoning I call it resoning in the blind because we don't know what it's going to
become. Um you know I think we we you know we're going to discuss that perhaps in the future and I think we need to avoid it in the future. Uh but do we have any idea what this is going to become? >> So we had conferred with the applicant and asked them what the what the reason
for this resoning was and the applicant stated they were looking for the highest and best use. They're wanting to combine this property with the remainder of their holdings and sell this as one continuous CG Joan property um to a future developer. I believe the uh
intended use may be some type of commercial retail. Um but the applicant representative is here could probably speak more to the intentions of his client. >> Yeah. because it it also speaks to uh to traffic and I I know traffic was mentioned here and there were different
scenarios but I think also we don't go far enough out on the concerns with traffic because especially in this area with 510 coming over that bridge and US1 and that intersection um you know I've I've been through it many times and there's always there's always a lot of
traffic so depending upon what's being added >> I guess what you're saying is uh you're going to look at it at a later date but you know Again, it puts us in the position of operating in the blind. And um I I I really don't think that that's a good way to to work.
>> When the future site plan is submitted, we take a very intense look at this project. We'll do a full traffic analysis and see what turning movements are, what impacts to the roadway may be, and then we'll have an ex uh an exact use on the map to know what those traffic counts are. I will mention that
across the street there is going to be a traffic signal that will be installed when Bridge Marketplace opens prior to their certificate of occupancy that was already required as part of that site plan approval. Bridge Marketplace is actually a shopping center anchored by a Publix. It's just north of the Harbor
Isle subdivision and that is going to be required. That's going to help alleviate all your left turn movements and be a stop gap from US1 to further over the Waso Bridge. uh when they get to the point where they're about to finish that signal has to be installed and operational before we allow a certificate of occupancy to be issued
for that commercial plaza. That will certainly help this area. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Commissioner Moss, Commissioners, any further questions for Mr. Murphy? >> Hearing none at this point, we will ask
any questions or presentations by the applicant. Morning, sir. Name it. >> Thank [clears throat] you, Mr. Chair. My name is Bruce Bquette. I represent the applicant and I actually don't have a presentation, but support the staff
recommendation. Um, I can answer questions if if you have any, I guess, but there's really no plans for the property other than what Mr. Murphy told you. It's uh it's just a consolidated minor reasonzoning to make the zoning compat to make the zoning
consistent across the property which is one of your goals for the Wabaso area because without consistent zoning across larger parcels it's hard to get property developed. >> Thank you Mr. Bquette. Commissioners [clears throat] any questions of the >> this have final presentation Mr. Murphy?
>> Uh nothing to add. Happy to answer questions that may pop up. >> Thank you, Mr. Marquette. Any further >> Yes, sir. >> hearing none, madame clerk, to ensure that all documents have been submitted and tangible evidence have been admitted as evidence or in the hands of the
clerk. County staff has also assured that all the materials will be admitted into evidence unless there is any objections. Anyone from the public to discuss this matter?
Seeing none and hearing none, I've closed the public hearing. Commissioners, what's your pleasure? >> Motion to approve, Mr. Chair. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Flesher. >> I'd be happy to second. And I'd just like to add for staff that I like the new format of um these. It's much easier
to follow than that whole graph thing we used to. >> Thank you, Commissioner Adams. We have a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion hearing? None. All in favor? >> I. And the motion carries. At this time it's 10:22
and we will take a recess until 10:30 The time now is 10:30 and we will resume the December 9th, 2025 board of county commissioner meetings. Up next is a presentation. Commissioners 13H1
is a consideration of a sale agreement for the purchase of the 15.47 acre Osprey Estates. This site is through the environmental lands acquisition bond.
Welcome. >> Welcome commissioners. Wendy Swendell, assistant director parks, recreation conservation. uh come to you today to um ask for consideration of a purchase sale agreement for the Osprey Estates project. So, I'm going to give you a
little bit of background on that. Um here we go. Can you make it so There we go. Technical difficulties. So, just a little background for the public that may not be familiar with our
bond process. Um, in 2002, the residents of Indian River County passed a $50 million environmental land bond to purchase um, ecologically significant parcels. And just um, this process is a willing seller program and anybody in
the county can nominate these projects. And if you have any interest in that um, please contact us because we're happy to walk you through that process. I don't know why I'm having trouble here. There we go.
>> What? Oopsie. >> Max configured. >> Sorry about that. >> Yeah. Is it left click? Okay. Sorry about that. >> I'm left clicking and we're not working. >> Do the clicker.
>> Did that Oh, there we go. Okay. So, just for the public to understand what we're looking for in these environmental acquisitions, um we have an environmental land acquisition panel that is a nine-member group that reviews these um projects on behalf of the board of county
commissioners and these are the criteria that they look at. They are generally broken down into qualitative factors which are more ecologically based um such as natural habitat, wildlife value and landscape. And then we get into another set of criteria which are the
property acquisition considerations and those deal more with the actual nuts and bolts of the land acquisition in terms of market conditions and other factors. >> Yeah, you just need to do this for me. Thank you. >> Nope, that's the previous. We're just So
this is the matrix that matrix that the ELAP uses and you can see the 10 criteria on here. Each of these criteria is weighted based on um a level of importance to the whole process and then those cumulative scores are tallied by
the ELAP and that is in turn turned into a tiering system. The tiers are tier one, tier two, tier three. Tier one being um those parcels that are deemed the highest ecological and acquisition value and then you move into tier two and tier three. Um a few weeks ago the
board approved a new set of tier one properties. This is the last tier one fee simple acquisition property through the first nomination period for the board to consider a purchase sale agreement. Next slide. [snorts] So, a little bit of
information about Osprey Estates. You can see where it is located just to the south of the Gford Dock. Um, it is approximately 15.47 acres. You can see all of the public land adjacent to this property, which is quite extensive. So,
this piece of the puzzle would kind of fit that last part that would allow for the county to look at some improvements for the Gford Dock as well as um the adjoining conservation area. As I mentioned, this is a tier one property. The size is three parcels with a total
acreage of about 15 acres. The site is a prior u mosquito empoundment that has since um it was zoned such that there could be homes along the eastern shoreline. The site is zone MUN which is residential single family and our
initial um reports indicate that the mangroves on site are relatively undisturbed. However, there may be a need to improve some invasive species control and improve hydraology. As part of the acquisition process um we are required to go through and get um two appraisals. So you can see the
appraisals that were completed. The value conclusions were $ 1.53 million and 1.645 645 million. Um a purchase sale agreement was settled upon for $1.64 million and then on October 22nd um the
county went ahead and public noticed that process. The environmental lands acquisition panel has reviewed this site. Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to meet for them to provide you directly with their feedback, but um throughout the process, they've been very
supportive, especially considering all of the adjacent public lands. Um should the board approve this purchase sale agreement, the county will have 60 days to complete the due diligence on the site, which will um be used to ensure that there are no issues that would
adversely affect the county's intended use of the property. Upon completion of the due diligence period, staff will provide the board with a summary of those findings um for um board to consider. If acquired, the proposed use of this
property would be for environmental conservation and public recreation. Um as I've mentioned several times, there's an existing county park and fishing pier on the north side of the site. Given that location, um staff feels that there's a unique opportunity for us to
blend the use of that park with the conservation area. Uh as I've mentioned, there's numerous um county-owned and other conservation lands on in proximity to this site. We have coordinated initially with um the St. John's River Water Management District and they are
definitely interested in doing some restoration on this site. They have lands in proximity to this. Uh the site affords the opportunity also for habitat restoration. Uh most of these impoundments tend to have invasive species at least along the edges where
the water is a little bit shallower and given its proximity to the Indian River Lagoon that is an important factor. So as I mentioned um we do have a lot of opportunity especially if we combine the use of this site with the adjacent park.
We could create some additional nature trails. Um we could create some wetland overlooks, wildlife viewing, a lot of educational um environmental education and programming opportunities. And as um we do with a lot of our conservation areas, we could certainly uh provide a
lot of public benefit for volunteering. How is this project consistent with the environmental bond? Um if you read the resolution, one of those the key elements is that is um protecting habitat adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. And this project
given its proximity proximity certainly meets that criteria. uh wildlife that use those um estrine wetlands would benefit greatly, especially if we're able to reconnect the hydrop period in that mangrove empoundment directly to the lagoon, which is something that the water
management district is keen on doing, similar to what we did on the Oyster Bar Marsh project. Uh we feel if we work in conjunction with the parks aspect of it to the north that we can create a really unique resilient project that will withstand uh future changing conditions
in the lagoon. And as with all of our conservation areas, we feel like we can construct a lot of public access improvements for um recreation and education that will really benefit the public. So our request today is to ask the boards to ask the board to approve the
contract for the Osprey Estates and authorize staff to proceed with the due diligence period and complete the purchase of this project. With that, if I can answer any questions you might have, >> commissioners. [clears throat] Uh and thank you for that presentation.
It should be noted that in November of 22, overwhelmingly uh the voters of Indian River County approved this environmental bond, the third uh I believe in the history of the county. So essentially, uh commissioners and
friends in the audience, uh this is your property that we are talking about today. Additionally, commissioners, uh this is u clearly an indication of one slice of growth management for within
this county. Uh and for that we are greatly appreciative. I was mentioning to Commissioner Flesher on the break about some of the previous calls for service that we used to get at 45th and the river, so to speak, and Commissioner
Man's well aware of that as well. Uh, in my opinion, this is a great day for Indian River County. Commissioners, what's your pleasure, >> Mr. Chairman? Wendy, can you go back to the slide that shows the the >> where it has all the other lands around
it? >> I think it's like second or the third slide from the beginning >> that has all the adjacent areas. >> It's the first slide for the project. It's Mac's first day, so >> no, next one. Keep going. I think it's a map after that one. There you go.
>> Yeah, there we go. What the chairman just said, first of all, you have the Gford dock to the north of it, which is may been sadly underused. It was it was never really a great place or destination. we have the opportunity
with this property and the property across the river to turn this into something very special. This this this is a good piece of property because of like I just said where it is where it's in conjunction with the other properties. It's right on the water.
It's a low piece of property and and it gets a little higher but but it's it it's a but it it has a lot of great potential as as as Wendy pointed out. This to me is a is is a slam dunk for us to do it. And I think that's a pretty
good price for for from what we've been seeing lately. And uh you know, it's close into town for Vero or Sebastian. And uh yeah, there's just there's just so much that that that can be done with this to make it a very
nice area. you know, walking in maybe some, you know, you're you're probably going to have to build some some some bridges, some walkways and stuff like that, obviously, but it has such great potential and it and it has the potential finally to enhance the uh the
Gipper Dock, which I think the city of Beach was even supposed to help us on since we're allowing to use that property for >> for um you know, taking the water over to John's Island. But yeah, I I support this 100%. So, I'll make a motion to approve. A second.
>> Have a motion by Commissioner Herman, a second by Commissioner Flesher. Any further discussion on this matter? Commissioner Flesh? >> I did. U because uh once again, Joy just brought it up, but uh the city of Vera Beach did commit the
city of Vera Beach did commit to >> an enhancement uh when they were >> Yes. placing the lines in and uh does this affect that at all? Does is there any impact? >> In fact, it doesn't affect it in a
negative way at all because it allows the county the flexibility. If you've ever gone through the environmental permitting process, right? >> Having the ownership of the land to the south of the county park provides us the ability to look at those as one county
holding. And from that point of view, if there were improvements that we needed to do beyond what has been recommended by the city, which at this point I believe is a pavilion um that'll be there for the public to enjoy, the commissioners may in the future want to expand the amenities at the park. And by
having the conservation area and the park situated in proximity on proximity to each other, that gives you a lot more flexibility in terms of how you plan that project and permit it. Well, uh, once again, uh, it's well
warranted and, uh, you use the term slam bunk, slam dunk. Um, again, u, >> it's a sporting term. >> Sport, >> well, I'll mention too that the St. John's River Water Management District through theou that we brought to you
guys a few weeks ago is very interested in coastal restoration and this would be one of the projects that would be a slam dunk from a kickoff because it's reconnecting that empoundment in a more favorable manner >> and as sheriff indicated uh we had been
there >> once once or twice it uh that this will be a great enhancement for the public. >> Would would there potentially be any park money maybe available? >> Yes. Good morning, commissioners.
Michael Zto, deputy county administrator. So, this is a fantastic opportunity to blend this acquisition with the development of the park. And so, we're looking at um various sources to try and design and enhance the 40th Street Dock Park as we know it. But most
importantly, uh, we've been attending the meetings of of the Gford Progressive League to encourage the community to give us input on what they would like to see there and then balance that with what we can afford to uh, build in conjunction with the obligations that are still pending from the city of Euro
Beach. So together, I think we can make something really nice there with everyone's input. >> Thank you, Mr. Zto. >> Commissioners, any other comments? We have a motion. We have a second. All in favor? I. The motion carries
unanimously. Thank you, Wendy. Thank you, >> commissioners. The next item is item L under utility services. Actually 13 L1 Department utility service integrated water master plan quarter 2026 update to the in county
board of commissioners project ID is 0023.54 and with us is Mr. Howard Brers. Welcome. >> Good morning, commissioners. Howard Richards, manager of capital projects, Department of Utilities. Um,
commissioners, I'm here to present uh give you the third update on the integrated water master plan. So, we are doing this integrated water master plan. Um, the county is uh continuing to see population growth. um
a dynamic regulatory environment. Our infrastructure is aging. We are fairly young, but the infrastructure is beginning to age and there's a projection for resource uncertainty in the future. Um so we were years overdue
for an uh water master plan and the board uh approved HDR to perform an integrated water master plan for the department. Uh early into the project uh
a workshop was held with a management team to set these eight goals for accomplishing the integrated water master plan. Goal number one is to forecast demand for utility services into the future over a 20-year horizon.
Define a program for managing infrastructure capacity and condition and sustainability that has become important as we continue to see increased growth within the county. Define measurable levels of service going forward. Create a 20-year capital
improvement plan. Uh facilitate two-way communication with stakeholders. That's very important. And I'll show you how we're carrying that throughout the uh the master planning effort. Identify and pursue partnerships for continued collaboration. Measure the finances and
explore funding strategies out there and support staff development and retention and uh augmentation of goals. HDR is following this EPA uh framework. Uh it's called the integrated planning
framework by EPA. It ensures that the plan will be prioritized, adaptable, which is very important uh and affordable uh to implement. It involves these six steps. Um step number one is
building the vision and part of that was setting those eight um goals for the master plan, evaluating the existing system uh which we're currently completing that as I'll show in a few more slides. engage community stakeholders and this task is very
important as as it is being carried through for the entire planning effort. It's not just a oneanddone task. Evaluate alternatives once we determine what our uh capability of our existing systems are and future conditions. We have to look at the gap and determine
how we close those gaps. Uh develop solutions and schedules and implement and measure success. Again, I just want to emphasize that as we develop the capital improvement plan from the master plan, uh the the
criteria used for selecting and prioritizing those projects will be aligned with the board the board's five strategic goals and objectives. And this slide uh shows how each criteria aligns
with what aspect of the strategic goals. This is a timeline we we are on. Uh we're currently uh going through uh hydraulic modeling updates right now. That has been an a a very extensive
ongoing effort. Um we have begun to develop the 20-year CIP. We're at the early stages of that and development of uh by looking at alternatives as well. So we are on track to complete this plan
around mid July of next year. U and um and that shows currently where we are in that process. Uh so what have we accomplished since the last update we gave in September? Uh HDR has completed
um well almost completed the condition assessment of our current assets and infrastructure including the plants the um the demineral demineralized concentrate facilities, repump stations
and lift stations. and they've looked at over 4,000 assets and developed a condition rating uh from one to five, one being good, five being poor. And they've presented that to us in in
PowerBI, which is a Microsoft visualization pro uh uh product. And this um picture here shows what uh what that looks like. Um uh HDR is continuing to develop the
linear and vertical asset risk scores from condition plus consequences is what gives us the risk and they're summarizing all of that into a technical memorandum uh for was that will serve as a guidance for the wastewater basis of planning and
they've also looked at current regulations and pending regulations and future regulations. uh because all of that has to factor into a 20-year CIP uh planning effort. [snorts] So, currently they are continuing to
finalize the risk assessments, finalized demand and flow projections. Um we've we've um held a workshop that looked at drinking water alternatives as well as wastewater. Uh continuing to to polish out the hydraulic model calibration.
That's important. And a lot of effort is going into the hydraulic model because that is what's going to look at the capability of our current infrastructure to meet future demands and where we may come up um short and have to make uh investments in new infrastructure to
meet future conditions. uh they're in the early phases of developing the CIP and um we just wrapped up some outreach effort and we're we're planning to do some additional outreach when we begin to start um creating the CIP so we can
present that to the public uh i.e. doing a road show. Uh so we're summarizing what we learned before so we can um we can do a better job of outreach um on on on the next round. So, we also said that during this
update, we will tell you how we are using contingency funds that you have approved us to to to use. Uh, when you approve the contract with HDR, you also approved uh $742,000 in uh contingency funds. And each time
we tap that, we're going to report that to you. Uh so, the first use of it, actually, this is the second use. When I presented the last time, I told you we were using that for uh hydraulic modeling development. We were going to use some of the contingency funds. Uh
we're still working through that. But the first one that is clearly defined is $38,000 use uh for strategic communications um with the public. Uh they've created some additional material for us to use which we're going to use when we do the
next set of um uh public outreach. Again, we're they're continuing to work through the hydraulic model. Uh they haven't finished the extra effort uh that is going into that. So that number has not yet been defined. So that will be
another use of the contingency. Uh and by the way, this $38,000 represents you less than 2% of the overall budget. So we are doing uh very well on containing the use of cont contingency and managing
the the project budget. Again, this is uh continuing to show how um um demand projections is going to impact the hydraulic modeling. So that is my presentation and with that I'll take any questions that the board
has. >> Thank you Howard. We do appreciate for the fellow commissioners as well as members of the public please recognize that utilities is an enterprise fund. Uh so will be shocked when you hear certain numbers particularly to taxpaying
dollars. Enterprise fund simply funds itself. >> Commissioners, this is a presentation. We do not need a vote on this. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. Thank you, Howard. >> Merry Christmas. >> Commissioners, moving forward to the solid
uh waste district. Hopefully, you've all had an opportunity to review electronically or and in print the minutes from the September 23rd, 2025 SWID meeting minutes. >> Have a motion approved by Commissioner
Flesher. I'll second that. Second by myself. Any further discussion on the minutes hearing? None. All in favor? I. Commissioners brings us to the solid waste district item 16B1 work order
number 10 the geotech for annual compliance monitoring and reporting for 2026 >> approval have a motion by commissioner Adams and a second by commissioner flesher. Any further discussions on that matter? All in favor? I measures the
next uh topic will be also under solid waste 16B3 request for general fund funds for PACE eh and other community cleanup projects. >> Move approval. >> We have a motion by Commissioner Adams.
I'll second that myself. Have motion and second. Any further discussion on that matter? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> measures that brings us to 16B4 amendment number one to the agreement for landfill gase uh Wellfield expansion
project motion by commissioner Flesher. >> Have a second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion by the commissioners hearing? None. All in favor? I commissioners. That brings us to item 16B5
in River County Landfill work order number two to Geotech for partial closure design and landfill gas systems evaluation. Approval have a motion by Commissioner Flesher. We have a motion second by Commissioner Adams. Any further discussion by the commissioners?
Hearing none. All in favor? I. And the motion carries. measures. The last uh portion of solid waste will be 16B6 which is the second amendment to solid waste and recycle collection franchise agreement between SWID and Waste Management Inc. of Florida. I believe we
have a presentation. >> I see director Sean Liskey present. Welcome Mr. Liski. >> Morning commissioners. Sean Leki, director of department of utility services. Unfortunately, I'm not sure where Heru the solid waste managing director is at this point. I'm trying to
locate him as he had a presentation to to go um to present to you this morning. Um so if you maybe take a five minute break, we'll see if I can uh if I can locate him so we can kind of move forward. >> Um with that commissioners, we will take a
>> Here he is. >> There he is. Sorry about that. >> Welcome. Good morning commissioners and munch at the sod waste disposal district. Apologize for delay. It was in the other uh conference room. [sighs]
It's the first item. >> 16B6 >> waste management. >> Waste management. Okay. Thank you for approving all the other items. Okay. So, um we're here today to talk about the second amendment to the waste
management uh franchise agreement and um as a result of the sort of the transition process over over the last uh 3 months and and and beyond. Um apologize, I'm catching my breath from
running through the conference room. Um, so one of the things we came to the board back in June was to make some changes to the franchise agreement. And one of the reasons we did that was there was a lot of uh requests by HOA
communities for opting out of the yard wastist carts. So that was one of the items and waste management agreed to to do that. Um, and the other item was that cart swaps. People that had the standard size carts, the 95gallon for trash,
65gallon for recycling. Um, the original agreement basically said folks had to keep them for 90 days. And so we came to the commission uh back in June and we also got agreement from waste management to move that those card
swaps all the way to October 1st. And so uh one of the things as a result of that meeting was that we would come back to the commission. We would amend the agreement and this is our first opportunity to amend the franchise agreement to incorporate those two
changes. The other thing that started occurring, I think most of the commissioners know with the phone calls and and things that we had is when the commercial communities, the commercial businesses started getting their invoices in the month of October.
>> Um, we we started having a lot of concerns about the cost increase and so we began a process of having meetings with waste management. uh county administrator held a meeting with with Waste Management to see what else could
we do to reduce the financial impact to those commu uh commercial communities uh and businesses. And so this amendment also incorporates some of the additional negotiations that we've been able to do to to reduce some
of those fees. Um for for example the agreement that that was signed with waste management the original agreement and what was put out in the RFP process basically had a lot of supplemental fees
one of them being uh for example rolling out recycling carts from multif family communities and the prices varied from different vendors uh but it would but the agreement that was approved with waste management it was $10 to roll out
a recycling cart per cart. I I will admit uh when we made the presentations, when the decisions were being made, um staff did talk about commercial, you know, impact and what those costs were, but it was it was
really on a high global level and we didn't get down into the weeds. And so I certainly stand here apologize that we we did not look at all those commercial rates and those supplemental fees down to a direct impact to these communities
and um and waste management recognized that as well. And so, uh, when we when those commercial bills started going out, especially like what I'm just talking about, the $10 for rolling out a recycling cart, um, you know, Waste Management
sat down with us and ultimately that fee has gone down to zero and they they they realized that that that that is just burdensome. Um, the other supplemental fee that occurred was opening and closing gates. Our intent in these
supplemental fees was we knew there was going to be a cost increase, but if we could sort of break out some of these fees so that those folks that wanted the what we call a lot cart services that they could pay for that and it would it would reduce the impact to everyone.
However, again, not recognizing when we made those earlier presentations of what kind of a financial impact this was going to be. Um, opening and closing gates wound up uh being being uh a big price tag for for a lot of our communities to the point where some
businesses said, you know, we're going to take the gates off, you know, or we're going to have one of our workers kind of show up early in the morning and make sure the gate is open. and uh and so so there have been some concessions that that you know folks are looking at
because every every dollar right now uh is important and and we understand that. So one of the things in the negotiation process when it comes to these gate fees is waste management has changed from a per event to a per month cost and also
limited it to a maximum of sort of like five gates. uh we have some uh multif family communities that could have 10, 15, 20 gates within a community. So they've said, you know, we're going to cap it to maximum of five gates. Uh it
does depend on how frequently they're picking up, you know, their dumpsters, but but it is capped. Uh so so these have provided dramatic uh decreases to these communities. Um the one final note I'll I'll mention negotiation is and it
was a result of the meeting we had with the county administrator that waste management basically said that they bar by contract are supposed to ask do you as a customer want this supplemental fee? Do you want us to open and close the gate for you? Um and they did not
get that in writing. So what waste management has been doing is going back to those customers confirming in writing if they want that extra service or not. If they don't they will go back and refund them for October, November and
then say here in December they would not be you know uh uh opening closing the gates. Somebody else would take care of that. So so I feel like we have uh achieved some good reductions for for a lot of our communities. uh multif family
communities, a lot of our businesses. Um I say that and and and at the same time I want to mention we did not have I mean this was a 10-year franchise agreement. We went out to bid. We made a decision almost 18 months
before the contract was supposed to start. It was a competitive process. five companies responded and the commercial rate that we had that slowly increased over the last 10 years um it
it dramatically increased. I think I I put in here in the agenda item somewhere around you know 87% uh was was the increase. So we had out of the five companies waste management was right in the middle. you had two companies that had a a lower cubic, you
know, uh uh yard rate and two companies that were higher, but waste management was right in the middle. Uh and so we just saw that, you know, over the 10-year horizon, prices increased and their commercial rates did go up. Uh so a lot of lot of businesses are feeling
that increase, but again, it was done through a competitive process. It wasn't uh there wasn't a mechanism for us to say, well, we we want to pick this company to do residential work and this company to do commercial work because we like, you know, the prices the way we
want. It was one RFP. You're basically getting an exclusive residential uh franchise and an exclusive commercial franchise. So, um with that, I I know I've said a lot. I'll pause here to see if you have any questions on any of the specific items. Uh but again what what
we have in front of you is to basically uh capture these changes into an updated franchise agreement. Uh and and again some of the savings that I mentioned have already been implemented. Uh so this is just to formalize the process and get the uh franchise agreement updated.
>> Well thank you. Very informative if you might sue. Any questions by the fellow commissioners? >> Yes question. um with the commercial supplemental rates then it says in the backup material that waste management's commercial rates did increase by 93%. >> 93%
>> and then we have the chart for the supplemental charges you know original and revised. So is it still a 93% increase then or is it less than that you know based on this chart and the >> No, the the 93% uh is still there that
that was based on the competitive bid process. um that if we looked at the rate that businesses were paying September through September 30, 2025 starting October one, those rates did go up 93%. And it was part of the the
procurement process, that's that's you know, basically when you look at I think over over the 10 years with the consumer price index that we provided, we went through COVID as well during that that 10-year horizon. um we we basically
limited or controlled the increases that we provided WM over those 10 years. And so what we saw was by doing the procurement process that you know all five companies were substantially higher than um than than in the past 10-year
contract. So with with the changes that you've made that are reflected in the chart, do you have any kind of idea um throughout to a percentage decrease in the rates that the commercial the council will be paying? >> I understand it was an increase previous
but but going forward like just or range of savings. >> So uh can I >> administrator? Yeah. So the rates actually are still at 93%. It's the supplemental fees. And I think to Hamanchu's point, if the if the board
will recall, very similar to utilities over the last decade in this during this agreement, there was very limited increases in many respects where even waste management requested an increase larger than what the contract called for
because prices were exceeding in typically in the solid waste in the utility field more than the actual CPI. And so I think when this was bid out and you know I do agree that it was in the presentation but there was so much focus
and conversation you know among the our communities regarding the additional carts as well as the increase in the residential side and the universal decision that this got it I'm I don't want to say placed in the
back burner but it didn't receive the same attention that the public brought out, you know, when they showed up. So, I think comparatively, you know, Kamancha, you can correct me if I'm wrong and and and Debb can deb
um that comparatively our commercial rates are very competitive within the county and our uh sister counties. So, I think that's important. And I understand that the rates went up, but I think it's
because they were, for lack of a better term, you know, they were suppressed by the desire to keep them low over the past decade and not increase, you know, uh, exorbitantly. And now we come to the end of a contract and the new contract
gets negotiated and we saw some, yes, there was one that I think was 88%, but there was others that were far greater. So, I I think that's the challenge for the the county and our residents or business owners is that we kept the
rates low and now with the new contract, it kind of reset the table to where they are competitive and actually they're cheaper than some others that have been negotiated not too long ago. And Hanchu and and Waste Management can either say
yay or nay on that one. But I just want but I do have another question, Mr. share for Hamachu and for waste management and and I noticed it this weekend after review and I know I I reviewed these and approved these and it's related to the yard waste uh cart exemption.
I guess my question is that we are waste management is agreeing to wave the onetime $100 fee to for distribution for the roughly 5,000 carts. I would think it would be better served since those carts are being paid for and
they're on the existing routes that that fee still apply but there not be any annual fee because otherwise we it to me it seems like we're double billing because it's being a one community has said we don't want them. So, those are
in our inventory and they're on our routes already. And I think it'd be better to have the fee to deliver somebody that wants the cart but not have to pay for that cart because it's already been paid for. And I'll leave that for the board's
discussion and and then maybe a response. >> You any thoughts on administrator's comments? >> John, if I want to just clarify, I understood the the question. Uh so we we have estimated about 5,000 cards that that were first
>> serve were not delivered because they they wanted an exemption. Um we are obligated to collect the money because it's through the non-ablorm assessment program. So on the the tax bill, the assessment portion we're collecting from those residents and by franchise
agreement, we're obligated to pay waste management for agreeing to basically have a truck and a driver ready to go serve that community. uh every day it's the community that opted that says we don't want this service. Um it's no different than the previous franchise
agreement. These communities that had their own yard waste companies when they were subscription service they were paying for yard waste service in their direct building to by waste management. Um however they chose not to invite
waste management into their community to pick up yard waste because they had their own landscaper taking care of it. The only difference now is by going to universal, we we placed it on the the non-nalver assessment. Uh, and we've we provided that benefit to these
communities by basically saying, "Okay, you're agreeing to be exempt. We we we were able to for majority of them were able to actually stop delivery of the cart." So, they didn't even have to experience receiving the carts. and um and now they don't have a truck going
through their community, but they they have elected not to not to get that the the the in the waving of the $100. I think that's what you were asking about. So, what waste management has has agreed is that if there's with for within this one-year time frame, if there an
additional 5,000 residents outside of those communities that feel that one yard waste card is not enough, that they want a second yard wastist cart that there is a right now on the franchise agreement a $100 fee for that delivery. Waste Management is agreeing to wave
that for up to 5,000 residents that want a second yard wastist cart as long as that customer agrees to pay the additional $10 a month fee uh for having a second um you know yard wastist cart. So, that's what's in the amendment in
terms of the the the benefit uh the exempt communities are getting the the benefit that other community members could have if they want a second yard wastist cart. Uh however I just want to make sure I understood I don't have a
mechanism to uh somehow reduce the billing for those HOA exempt communities through the >> so I understand that through the property appraiser tax >> carts are actually those 5,000 carts are being paid for as they're being p you
but they're being paid throughout the year on the nonadalorm assessment. >> Sure. So, it seems like it would be a better to wave the that fee and just first come first serve. There's 5,000 carts that are already being paid for
through their non-aval assessment and you they pay to have the cart dropped off first come first serve the $100 fee and they don't pay the $120 per year. I just think because they're getting paid through the nonadalorm resess. >> I I got you. What I would clarify is the
difference in price. what on the rate sheet is about $3.86 out of the 1410, if you will, is what an individual uh resident is contributing to the waste management bill. $3.86. The
additional cart is $10 a month. So, so there is there is that cost difference as well. The 100 you're asking to wave the $120 up to for 5,000 customers. I mean I can have hopefully WM's in the back uh you know uh ready to respond as
well but there is a cost differential the the yard waste component is if you look in exhibit one uh it's you know it's 698 for solid waste 386 for yard waste and 318 for bulk trash that comes
up to the 1402 per month that we pay waste management that's what you know we have the additional fees by the property appraiser and the tax collector on the on the tax bill. I think it's more like $15 is what we're coming up to. But what what I'm trying to explain is that those
residents in those communities, those 5,000 residents are paying for yard waist service the $3, but it's only $3.86. So if we say to Waste Management, the first 5,000 customers that come in, go ahead and provide them the yard wastist card because you're getting paid
already. I I I see what you're saying, but there is a you're we would have to to to to have them basically say that that you're getting paid five, you know, for those 5,000 cards equal amount to what we're already paying you for those 5,000 customers, not a not the $10 extra
fee that that you're allowed to have for somebody that has two two yard race cards. >> I would think after the 5,000 first come, first serve, then that the other fee would kick in. I I I I see what you're saying, but >> right and you you would and I think Mr. Administrator, I appreciate that. And
what you're saying basically is the 5,000 and first customer would would roll it back into what Himachi said. I understand the administrator by saying those 5,000 have already essentially paid for it. Uh in lie of the others
that may desire. Uh his point is that uh Waste Management is already getting paid by those 5,000 that aren't receiving the services. Uh and I don't know if a member from Waste Management wants to discuss that or not. >> Um
the >> I do apologize. It was Sunday evening prepping for this meeting. Sure. I know I reviewed the agenda, but I just as I read that and reread that, I talked to the chair about it and I just said it just kind of like stuck with me. So I'll Good morning. Luigi Pace with WM. Um,
unfortunately I don't have the authority to agree to changes from what we had initially spoken with Amanu about and and negotiated there. If that's the desire of the commission, I'd have to go back and get permission and approval to make that change.
Commissioners, what's your favor? You rather bring this back next month? >> Sure. Why? >> This is an an action item. Commissioners, uh, if somebody would like to motion that we bring this back in January, I think it needs further discussion between the administrator and
the solid waste staff. >> Mr. Chair, so moved. I believe it would be appropriate and best interest in the public and our >> second. >> We have a motion. We have a second by Commissioner Moss. Any further discussion on this topic? >> Yeah, commissioners, if I may, again,
Sean Leki, director of utilities um services, you know, we did discuss this when we had negotiations with WM um and this was brought up and I think that the struggle and Munchu was trying to get to this is what they were suggesting is $10 per month for the additional cart where
it's 3.86 on the existing. So, yes, somebody has already paid 3.86 86 for that cart but there's a difference of about 76 625 um that's would have to be covered for that second additional cart. So the the billing becomes very problematic and
difficult I think and I think the thought was it makes sense just to to for ease and and in in well ease in and in in managing and and also an ease in saying okay well what the 51st is going to have to pay 120 where everyone else
is getting a benefit. Um, I think we had agreed that we would just keep it at the $120. So, um, just wanted to clarify that that we did have those discussions and I know Luigi was correct that, you know, he we' have they'd have to go back to their management. Um, and I can tell you that there seemed to be a a lack of
a desire to do much more um, other than what we'd already reached. So, I don't know that we would make it, but if if it is the commission's desire to go back, we certainly will. We have a motion to continue this to the first meeting in January and have waste management and our staff have further negotiations. We have a sec. We have a second by
Commissioner Moss. Any further discussions? Hearing none. All in favor? I. Thank you very much. Next and finally will be the public comment of any non-aggenda related matters. Uh and for the members of our
public, if you desire to speak, I request you state your name and address. Uh this will be limited to three minutes. If you have any additional comments exceeding three minutes, you can make an appointment with each and every one of us and we'd be happy to discuss it. Welcome, ma'am. >> Good morning, chairman and
commissioners. My name is Shenita Tate. I am a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration of the United States um office of disaster recovery and resilience. I am here on behalf of the Small Business
Administration just as a way of um in regards to the severe storms and flooding that took place last in October 26 of 2025. River County was the primary uh county that sustained uh damage, but
Indian River was also a part of that. Um, and I'm here to explain, excuse me, or to express that we still have Small Business Administration, uh, disaster loans available to your constituents in this area. Um, the physical damage deadline is approaching. It will be
January 6 of, 2026. Uh, the economic injury uh disaster, excuse me, the economic injury um deadline is August 7th of 2026. So with that in regards to
that benefits of disaster loans, the benefits of a of the disaster loans is we offer low fixed rate interest rates with terms up to 30 years. Um there are no payments up to uh 12 months
um or no interest, excuse me, I apologize. We offer up to $500,000 to cover damage of the primary residence. We offer up residents uh up to $100,000 to replace personal property. This
includes vehicles. Um also funding is available to back build back better and protect against further disasters as far as mitigation. Also, if any of your constituents in this area have a disaster loan currently and they've
acquired that loan within the last 24 months, if they sustain any any additional damage within this disaster, they can they can contact their loan officer and see if they can get it um the damages included for mitigation.
They may qualify to get it refinanced and and get additional funding for that mitigation. Um, I >> I appreciate your your time today. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. And we appreciate what SBA does. Uh, we had an experience with them uh October 9th of last year
with Hurricane Milton. And ma'am, if you'd be so kind to leave your information with our clerk. >> I have. I appreciate your time. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. And thank you to you. and machine, I will coordinate with our governmental affairs, our communications to get this out so uh to
get it posted so we can >> Thank you so very much for your time. >> Thank you. Merry Christmas. >> Any further public comment? >> Welcome. >> Hello there. Lisa Serski, India River County resident. Um I'm at 16514th
Avenue, South County. Um, I'm here again to express my concerns about the potential of large data centers in Indian River County. Um, the last time I brought this up, I do want to apologize for um some information that I that I got wrong. I don't know why I had the
town of Stewart in my mind, but this may seem random. It is not random. the state of Florida along with the rest of our country is um not everybody but we're fighting against these large data centers. As technology, you know, continues to grow, we have the
potential for interest of large data centers to come to our county. I am about being proactive, preventative. Um, so I'm here to express my concerns and ultimately ask for suggestions as to um the next steps I can take as just a
concerned citizen, an individual. I'm not a part of any organizations um when it comes to this matter. Um, so I'm asking um if adopting an ordinance to restrict or potentially, in my opinion, which is what we should do, ban data
centers altogether or potentially restrict um restrict them for I I don't even want to say zoning and changing zoning laws. I don't think we should offer, you know, anybody to build
something like that here. But anyhow, I'm I'm ultimately looking for suggestions as to a community uh the community to pass a memorandum. I don't know if that's something that I need to try to move forward with and um or how do I move forward with passing?
>> We would certainly be able to facilitate that. >> Uh and we certainly appreciate it. Um you're in district 4. I'd be happy to meet with you. >> Okay. >> Specifically to talk about data centers and anything else. Commissioner Adams, >> I was just going to say, um, at our legislative conference, there was a big
presentation on data centers in Florida and, um, the trends there. There's also some legislation that may or may not be moving forward. So, I would encourage you to reach out to your legislators, um, Representative Brackett and Senator Gro, and express your concerns um,
because there may be some state >> statutes coming. >> Yeah, I agree. and I have uh definitely reached out to the two representatives. Um I just want the community to know that as I mentioned last time I got the town wrong, but St. Lucy County, our
neighboring county, they just opposed a 13 billion dollar project. It's a big deal. And West Palm Beach, uh the county is West Palm County is also fighting a 200 acre data center as we speak. So it's not random. It's not something
that's, you know, not happening. It's happening. I work with animals for a living. Prevention is the key to to the challenges there. So, I'm about that in all aspects of life. Prevention, proactive, and I don't want to be trying to correct something once it's already occurred.
>> Thank you. So, >> we appreciate your commitment to the community, and we can certainly reach out to you. >> Yep. Thank you much. >> Any further uh comments from the public? >> Good morning, ma'am. [snorts] >> Good morning, commissioners. My name is
Jill Collinsson. I am president of the board of the Humane Society of Vero Beach in Indian River County. I had hoped to be here when you were approving the extension to the memorandum of understanding because I had a question regarding the budget process on that.
Uh, one of the slides that was presented back in the final budget process was a quasi nonprofit organization slide at which point the humane society was offered uh a 10% increase
and we assume that was what it was. Now, the memo of understanding is $4,000 approximately $4,000 short each month from what your budget approved versus what the memo of understanding
has. And we didn't figure that out till after the fact, unfortunately. So, I wanted I don't know what the way to correct that is or whether or not they actually held it back for a reason that they thought they would use in the future.
I'm just bringing it up. >> Yes, ma'am. We appreciate that. And I see the county administrator wants to uh discuss this and perhaps a meeting between the two. >> I was going to say we can meet because actually the the the budget amount was reduced. Uh so, but we can meet and we
and if necessary, we can bring an amendment back. We supposedly, and I say the word supposedly because we've heard from some members of animal control but not others, that we might be getting over 30 animal dogs in tomorrow of large breed dogs.
You know, that in itself is a lot. >> Additionally, it's going to be a court case, which means it could be that we have to hold them from anywhere from six months to two years. And that again is a lot. So by you
reducing or by us not getting our full aotment, we're going to be in big trouble. And you may say, well, you've got a new animal control thing. They're not going to be ready for a year. >> So Dave Johnson and I will get in touch with you. We'll get this resolved. >> Okay. We tried to have a meeting before, but it was not allowed.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> We thank you very much. We appreciate that. and and uh in the future this we can get you on the agenda versus being under public comments. Uh but I trust that the administrator will be reaching out to you. >> I'm fine with that. >> We thank you very much. >> Thank you.
>> I like your vest. Merry Christmas. >> Thank you. Merry Christmas to all of you. >> Thank you. Any further comments from the public commissioners of each each and every one of you? Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. >> Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to all. This meeting is ajourned.